Implants Keep Bone Loss from Occurring and Altering How You Look

We stress implants for a very good reason:  it's the only way to prevent bone loss in your jaw when teeth are missing.  Over time, bone loss distorts your appearance, which is obviously something you don't want and we don't want.  Implants are the best way to keep bone loss from occurring and altering how you look. 

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

When Implants Are Not An Option: Partials or Dentures

Replace Missing Teeth

Prior to the availability of dental implants, prosthodontists routinely treated patients with missing teeth (some or all) with removable partials or dentures.  In addition, not all patients are candidates for implants, due to financial, anatomical or medical considerations.

Prosthodontists are specialists in the replacement of missing teeth.  What sets them apart from general dentists is their extensive training in the diagnosis, design and fabrication of these prostheses.  When a patient is missing some teeth, or has some teeth that need to be removed, but doesn't want to lose them all, a removable partial denture can be a predictable functional and esthetic solution.  We have many patients who have had removable partials that last for ten or more years.  This success depends on the proper planning and treatment techniques that are part of the specialty of prosthodontics.


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Prosthodontists Know Dental Implants Are Restoratively Driven

Dental Implants

Board Certified Prosthodontists know that dental implant placement  is decided by the tooth or teeth the implants(s) are going to support.  Historically, when these implants were first developed, most surgeons used the available bone to guide where dental implants were to be located.  Nowadays, the statement "the implants were put where the bone was" is inadequate.  Technological and surgical advances in bone and soft tissue grafting procedures have assured that implant supported teeth can be made to closely resemble the natural teeth they replace.

If a single tooth is missing, or a segment of teeth are to be replaced, then the teeth are planned first and the surgical procedures are planned to realize the eventual prosthetic result.  If an entire arch of teeth are missing, the prosthetic treatment plan is developed first, with the positions of the teeth and dimensions of the prosthetic materials predetermined, and then the surgical considerations planned accordingly.

If you need a dental implant, then your individual needs can bet be explained to you by a board certified prosthodontist.


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Living with Dentures

Dentures are not a substitute for natural teeth; they are better than not having any teeth at all.  Dentures rest on gum tissues that were never intended to withstand chewing forces.  After teeth are removed, the jawbone undergoes a continuous process of atrophy, which presents itself as shrinkage of the gums.  As the bone recedes, the area available to support and retain a denture becomes more compromised.  These continuous changes require that the dentures be refitted or remade at regular intervals.  As the bone shrinks, support for facial musculature deteriorates, musculature weakens and tissue tone flattens.  Dentures can only be cleaned outside of the mouth.  A trained eye can spot a denture from across a room.

The Benefit of  Dental Implants

Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, or an entire arch of teeth.  Because they are anchored in the jawbone, their main benefit is that they preserve the bone.  They create a foundation for the stability and permanence of teeth.  Because of their permanence, they maintain facial and muscle structure.  They are cleaned in your mouth, just like natural teeth.  An entire arch of twelve teeth can be replaced with as few as four (All-on-4) implants.  Sometimes, they implants and prosthesis can be placed at the time of tooth extraction.  To see if you are a candidate, give us a call.


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Implants Keep Bone Loss from Occurring and Altering How You Look

We stress implants for a very good reason:  it's the only way to prevent bone loss in your jaw when teeth are missing.  Over time, bone loss distorts your appearance, which is obviously something you don't want and we don't want.  Implants are the best way to keep bone loss from occurring and altering how you look. 

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

When A Partial Is The Right Thing To Do

Removable partial dentures replace missing teeth for millions of Americans.  They are long-lasting, hygienic appliances that are indicated in many prosthodontic situations.  If you look closely at this lady's teeth, you can see that her front four teeth are on her partial, but when she smiles and speaks, you can't even tell!

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Dental Implants The Secure Solution

Just yesterday, we had two new patients who were wearing upper removable partials replacing some missing front teeth.  Their stories were similar:  every few years their gums change and the partials had to be remade. The partials moved around and they were self-conscious that people could tell the teeth were loose.  The movement made them guarded with their smiles and speech, because they had to hold the partials in place as they talked.  There were some foods that were best avoided.

Implant The Quality In Your Life

Fortunately, as long as you are healthy, it's never too late for dental implants.  Teeth on implants are secure and comfortable.  By allowing you to smile, speak and eat with confidence, they improve your quality of life.

If you are missing teeth and are interested in this solution, give us a call!

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Replacing Missing Teeth Critical for Daily Function

The muscles of the head and neck work together to determine how we eat, breathe, speak and how we look.  Chewing muscles are supported by the jaws and teeth, and are responsible for the stability of the head and neck.  For this reason, the replacement of missing teeth is important in maintaining our social and biological capability in many different areas:

• lower jaw position, in relation to the skull--allows neck muscles to hold the head in its proper posture--a loss of teeth can cause the head to drop, eyes to be downcast and breathing space of the throat to be decreased
• the height of the lower third of the face--upper and lower tooth contact maintains the length of chewing muscles, keeps the lips and cheeks supported, and contributes to facial attractiveness
• speaking--both the space in the mouth and the airflow through the mouth determined by the shape of the palate, tongue and position of the teeth creates proper speech sounds
• eating--mastication of the right kinds of foods to have a balanced and nutritious diet

Tooth replacement enhances quality of life.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309